Competitions
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London Salon members act as selectors for the exhibition; how does that compare to having external selectors? The images are considered more carefully than is possible with the rapid decision-making associated with other exhibitions. Members are able to discuss both the quality and content of the images. Differing views mean that no image is rejected without due consideration. Having so many selectors ensures all styles of photography get consideration, producing an eclectic mix of images with wide appeal. Since the early 1970s, the number of entries and acceptances has been smaller than in earlier years. The aim of the salon has always been to exhibit only that class of work where there is distinct evidence of artistic feeling and execution. The digital revolution has opened the way for ever more creative photography although the salon still looks for and shows traditional images that are artistic and printed to a high standard. Where is the exhibition held? All accepted images are exhibited and hung (unlike many images accepted into PSA and FIAP exhibitions) and can be seen in Croydon, Birmingham, Edinburgh and two venues in Dublin. Last year the exhibition in Croydon was seen by around 3000 visitors; a further 2000 visitors got to see the pictures at the venues in Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin. Unusually, the exhibition isn’t affiliated with any national or international organisations; what effect does that have? Undoubtedly, it lowers the number of entries. But it also means that the entrants are a select group who value the ethos and traditions of the salon and who want their work to be hung and enjoyed by a large audience. Many of those who have prints accepted in the exhibition feel that it is a high point of their exhibiting career. Not being affiliated to other organisations also means we are not constrained by their rules and demands; we can produce an exhibition that meets our criteria not someone else’s. What differences have there been in entries over the years? There are only two categories: monochrome and colour. What’s the reason for that? By not setting categories we do not offer any constraints on the types of images we will consider for acceptance. This helps to attract a very wide range of styles and also offers an opportunity to see those pictures that the authors feel don’t fit into other exhibitions and therefore don’t get seen. Who enters the London Salon exhibition? Photographers who enjoy making artistic prints that will be appreciated for what they are, even if they are not following popular trends. Those photographers seeking only to produce formulaic images that gain acceptances – and hence points towards various national and international distinctions that enable the photographers to put letters after their name – are less likely to be successful.
Howmany entries do you receive and howmany get accepted? We receive around 3000 prints each year and select between 190 and 200 for the exhibition. The relatively low percentage of prints accepted is due to the limited space available for hanging the exhibition. It is surprisingly difficult to find venues that can accommodate 200 framed prints. Each year we award up to ten medals; we do not always award all of them, sometimes there are not ten images that we can justify giving medals to. The medal-winning prints are the best of the best. The competition is intense and winning a London Salon medal is an emotional experience that provides a lifelong glow of satisfaction. The London Salon has always exhibited ‘only that class of work where there is distinct evidence of artistic feeling and execution’. As there are no restrictions on the type or style of work accepted, visitors to the exhibitions will see a wide range of artistic images fromaround theworld includingmany that are not usually found in other photographic exhibitions. We hope they will find these images Tell us about the London Salon medals. What does it take towin one? What type of images can we expect to see in the Salon’s exhibition?
refreshing and be inspired to experiment with new ideas to produce pictures for future exhibitions.
Is there anything else you’d like to share? Anyone who wishes to support the salon can become a Friend of the Salon. For a small fee they have special privileges, which include a full colour copy of the catalogue containing all the accepted images, an invitation to the private opening of the exhibition and annual entry into the draw where one lucky Friend receives a framed print that’s been donated by a member of the salon. The Friend’s subscription fee mainly covers the cost of the catalogue. This said, the small surplus given by our Friends supports the exhibition and is a vital contribution to its continued existence. Most importantly, we value our Friends who undoubtedly want to see the ongoing success of the salon.
π To find out more, go to www.londonsalon.org.
Planahead
TOP LEFT Ruth with her candelabra by Chrissie Westgate. ABOVE LEFT Twinkletoes by Anne Griener. TOP RIGHT School of Science by Andrew Wood. ABOVE RIGHT Mist over Stokksnes by Gillian Morgan.
You’ve got plenty of time to prepare your images before entering them for consideration in the London Salon 2015 exhibition. The online entry system opens on 5 February 2015 and closes on Sunday 5 April. The exhibition opens to the public at Fairfield Halls, Croydon on Sunday 7 June 2015 until Friday 19 June 2015. All other information will be available on the London Salon website.
Not being affiliated to other organisations alsomeanswe are not constrained by their rules anddemands; we canproduce an exhibition thatmeets our criteria not someone else’s
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Issue 13 | Photography News
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